Anita Gutteridge, headteacher at Hillside Avenue Primary and Nursery School, has been concerned by several recent “near misses” and has asked for the school to be prioritised for local police traffic patrols.

She cites recent examples of dangerous driving near the school, including “at least” two incidents of cars driving up onto pavements and endangering both children and parents.

Cars travelling at excess speed and cars being parked without respect for neighbouring properties were the other issues, with drivers restricting access and even addressing residents “disrespectfully when challenged”.

Writing for the school’s January newsletter, Ms Gutteridge said: “I would urge you all yet again to take the utmost care around school whether travelling by car, bike or on foot.

“The situation of our school will always provide us with a challenge due to the volume of traffic, making it even more important for us all to work together for everyone’s safety and well being.”

Many parents parking at St William's primary school are just as bad - parking on the yellow lines and zig zags, blocking the dropped kerbs, reversing along pavements...and been offensive if challenged.

It's not just during school hours, that whole stretch of road is used as a rat run with cars clearly disobeying the speed limit,, shooting down to Pound Lane, trying to beat the lights at Sainsbury's. After dark it's an extremely vulnerable place to be as a cyclist if mixed with impatient car drivers, pot holes, man-hole covers and limited street lighting. Given the residential area, school and recreation ground, perhaps a speed limit reduction is long over due???